Maranatha – Awaiting Christ's Return – Page 4 – 1 Cor. 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

How To Recognize Truth

On March 3, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

Name one thing that provides 100% accuracy. Is there anything we see or hear today that we can rely on as being completely true? Think on this for a moment. Has your favorite newspaper been 100% accurate all the time? Has the podcast you’re following always be truthful, and not biased? Has your own church ever let you down because you don’t agree with what is being taught? The phrase, “What is truth?” has circulated the last couple of years, and it behooves me that the world doesn’t know what it is or where they can find it.

I was raised Catholic and I was taught:

that truth is found in the Bible
the Bible has to be interpreted by the church; I cannot do it myself
truth is also found in church tradition

But what happens when one of these bullets contradicts the other? Then what does one hold on to as truth? It’s a simple question – and the answer is just as simple. To name a few verses:

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Psa 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Psa 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The Bible is truth, given to us by God. It does not matter if the tradition or interpretation comes from “a man of God.” What matters is what is in the Bible.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Gal 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. ( 8 ) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

The gospel is a message from God given to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ. The gospel, which means good news, is:

Jesus Christ (God in the flesh) came to earth
He was born of a virgin
Lived a sinless life
Died on the cross for our sins
He was raised from the dead
And ascended into Heaven

Anything added or taken away from this is not the truth. If you sit in a church long enough, you will be able to discern whether the preaching is according to the gospel. The gospel is what leads people to salvation. Everyone is a sinner in need of saving. Every person deserves an opportunity to decide where he/she will spend eternity. Follow this link if you want to know how!

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He Knows!

By Kate Plourde

On February 28, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

The believer has the wonderful privilege of always being able to see the blessed “light at the end of the tunnel” because we know the One who sees everything. However, one can become weary when he/she becomes entangled with the cares of this world and his vision becomes cloudy.

Imagine standing on a mountain and viewing a 100-car train below. You can see the engine, and also look further down to see the last car. From this vantage point, you can see if there is any trouble up ahead.

Now if you were riding in one of the cars and you were looking out the window, would you be able to see several cars forward? Would you be able to see what is happening several cars behind you? No, you could only see what is closest to you.

I believe our lives are quite similar to a train. We tend to remember what has happened to us recently but fail to remember how the Lord has helped us a few years ago when things were pretty rough. We also cannot see what lies ahead because no man knows the future, of course. However, my friend, our Creator can see the entire 100-car train just as He sees your entire life. He not only sees the engine or the caboose, but He sees every single car in between. Each car carries its own treasure – each car carries its own burden – each car carries its own set of problems. The Lord sees them all!

Furthermore, the fact that our Shepherd sees each car and what it has in store for us, He knows exactly what we need along the way. No matter how fast or slow our train is moving, the Lord is there along the way, ready to give us the right measure of grace we need to make it through. There is nothing in those cars so frightful that He is not aware of it. There is nothing in those cars so burdensome that He will not sustain you. There is nothing so tempting in those cars that He will not provide a way of escape.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~1 Corinthians 10:13

Therefore, don’t be weary in well doing. Don’t worry about whether or not your work for the Lord will amount to your expectations or not. There is no need because He knows what is in store for you around the bend. The Lord sees the big picture (the whole train) and knows the outcome. He stands ready to provide you with exactly what you need at the time you need it.

~Luke 12:29-31 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (29) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (30) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (31)

Christ wants us to continue with our spiritual walk – reading, praying, seeking after His will, doing His work, being a blessing to others – and leave the conducting to Him. He is our Great Train Conductor and He never sleeps

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. ~Psalm 121:3

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Anxiety’s Cure

By Kate Plourde

On February 26, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

Yes, you read that title correctly. Anxiety in a Christian can be healed. I’m not talking about the “going to a religious revival and having hands laid on you” type of healing. I am talking about a healing that comes directly from God Himself!

I speak from experience when I write these words. I have a prodigal son of my own, and it will be a year in April that I have not hugged him or heard his voice. I have been disappointed in the Lord since then. Why does God answer other Christians’ prayers and not this one? I just don’t know why. The Lord impressed upon my heart the very verses that I had made my “life’s verse(s)” when I first got saved 45 years ago.

Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

He reminded who He was and how there are things in life that only HE can solve! The only things I have to contend with during this trial are trying to figure it out on my own, and to acknowledge the only One who can solve this problem. The solution appears simple, doesn’t it? It’s one of those solutions that must be lived out day by day; sometimes even minute by minute!

When you are in doubt that God is working, acknowledge Him! Acknowledge all those wonderful things God has done for you! I had to acknowledge that my faith was weak in this area of restoring my relationship with my son. I had to acknowledge that in my own strength, I could not solve this problem no matter how many countless hours of crying I spent!

I could not stop my heart from being anxious, but I could turn to those verses that encouraged me along the way. Today’s verse says that God’s Word quickens me. The Scriptures spark that glowing ember of the Holy Spirit within me and a healing fire rushes in. Instead of anxiety, my heart is filled with its total opposite – trust.

In your anxiety, who are you trusting in? Only God’s Word can heal that. Trust in Him while you wait!

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To Name A Few

By Kate Plourde

On February 24, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

To be recognized for doing good things can be humbling. Who doesn’t like to be recognized? But when we look at the word “Lord” in Deuteronomy 3:24, we find that the Hebrew word is “Adonai.” Adonai is a wonderful adjective describing God. It means “master,” and when applied to our lives, it can be quite powerful.

When I read the word “master,” it implies the relationship between master and servant. As Christians, we are called to be servants of the Lord Jesus. As we concentrate on His mastership, we must ask ourselves if He is truly Master of our lives? Is He allowed full access to every nook and cranny in our spiritual walk? What does this have to do with today’s verses? Let me show you.

When I was in the work force, I was quite proud of those leaders I supported. I was proud of the business they had built, and would brag about them to anyone who would ask me where I worked. As a Christian, a servant of the Lord Jesus, do I brag on Him? Do I tell others of what He has done, not only in my life, but also in the world? Verse 2 asks, “Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth ALL his praise?”

Why would anyone want to be employed at your workplace if all they hear are complaints? It’s no different with leading others to the Lord. They need to hear of His mighty acts – they need to hear praises of what He has done in your life! The biggest praise for any believer is the fact that He saved you from the path you were on; the one that led to eternal damnation. Amen? Thank You, Lord!!! This same God created the universe and all that is in it! The beauty of a waterfall, or the sound of a babbling brook, the precious newborn baby, are examples of His power! His magnificence is revealed in all things!

So recognize our Master, our Adonai God, and share all the good things He has done in your life. Share your blessings, His goodness and mercy. Remind those around you the reason you are a Christian! Shew forth all His praise!

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Searching for Buried Treasure

By Kate Plourde

On February 21, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

At the center of every trial is a person who is searching. Searching for what, you may ask? People have this deep desire to know why this has happened to them. This leads to dwelling on the trial rather than dealing with the trial. When one dwells, one makes his heart’s home in the midst of the trial. When one deals with the trial, one looks to coping techniques.

What kind of techniques can you use? Today’s Scriptures are a wonderful and practical teaching tool. When we seek the Lord God, His face and His strength, we are turning to the Source that has all the answers; not just a few, but all the answers! (Matthew 7:7-8) He is an expert at everything!! (Exodus 31:3) He is the Master of all things (Deuteronomy 10:14, Psalm 24:1) … the Author and Finisher of our faith! (Hebrews 12:2)

Another technique is the world’s version of “positive thinking” but ours is a calling from God which provides peace. Psalm 105:5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; When you sit quietly, be still, and know that He is God, memories will flood into your mind; good memories of what the Lord has done in your life. He will remind you of how His hand guided you along the way. He will remind you of how He carried you through that last storm of life.

Fill yourself, Christian. Fill yourself with the treasures of God that can only be found when we seek them. Treasures don’t just magically appear. Seeking treasure takes work, which is probably why so many Christians don’t take the time. But God’s buried treasure is available every single day! Take time out before you begin your day. Praise Him for His marvelous works in your life and all of creation. Thank Him for your blessings. Then sit quietly and wait … buried treasure awaits!

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A Medical Emergency

By Kate Plourde

On February 19, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

Psa 147:3-5 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. (4) He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. (5) Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

What would happen if you were to apply the same sense of urgency to your broken heart as you would to a broken bone? What would happen if you were to go to your Bible with the same passionate response as you would to the emergency room? The Bible has a lot to say about broken hearts! Broken hearts come in different forms: a broken relationship, a death, a loss of a job, to name a few. But one thing the Christian has that the unbelieving world doesn’t have is that God is at the center of their broken heart.

The Christian finds hope and encouragement that comes as a result of reading the Bible. God hands out healing a broken heart, at no charge! He binds up the wounds like a master doctor! He takes that broken heart and pieces it back together, making it ready for the next task at hand. What I found to be a blessing is that He knows every star and calls them by name! Are you impressed yet? Furthermore, the next verse says His understanding is infinite. No matter what the cause of your broken heart is, God knows the smallest details and understands what you are going through. No one can heal better than God! There’s not a doctor, counsellor or self-help book out there that can know every detail of your health. As well, none can heal every little detail!

If you are not encouraged yet, read the following verses that the Lord placed in His Word just for you!

Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The Lord’s healing can be found in the pages of your Bible, but you have to make the effort to pick up that Bible and read it! Let God’s Word cultivate your heart like a good gardener would. Let Him mold and shape your broken heart into a heart that whole and healed.

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Have You Made Your Travel Arrangements?

By Kate Plourde

On February 17, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

Have you ever wondered what eternity will be like? Some believe we die and that’s it. But according to the Bible, there are two destinations: Heaven and Hell. Both of them do exist and both destinations are a choice one must make. Just as we make travel arrangements to go on vacation, we should make travel arrangements to where we will spend eternity. Eternity is a long time to leave it to chance! One would assume that making arrangements would be time consuming and arduous.

Jesus saw to it that the arrangements would be simple; nothing complicated at all.

Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

This is why so many do not accept Christ as Saviour. Surely, it can’t be that simple! Ah, but it is. The way to Hell is simple also! One only has to ignore the fact that there is life after death. This has been the enemy’s goal since the beginning!

Today’s verses give us a glimpse of what eternity will look like. All nations will have made their travel arrangements, so why shouldn’t you? We see a clear picture of them worshiping before the Lord. They won’t be tongue tied about it either! They will be glorifying God’s name, too!

Php 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Can you picture yourself amongst them? Can you imagine the beautiful sounds of a unified people glorifying their King? Everyone will be on bended knee giving praise and honor to the God of salvation!

Psa 86:10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

The most wondrous thing God can do for you specifically is to speak to you through His Holy Spirit and His Word. God calls you to Himself! He desires to show you what great things He is doing in your life. Take a moment to jot them down. Did you have a sink full of dishes? That means God provided you with food to eat. Did you sleep under a roof? That means God provided you with shelter. You, too, can sing with the loudest voice that God is great and does wondrous things! He is God alone! It’s all in the viewer’s eyes – it’s all in how you view life.

So, have you made your travel arrangements? Eternity is a very long time and you have no idea when you will enter your destination. Make your travel plans NOW before it’s eternally too late!

2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

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I’ll Leave A Light On!

By Kate Plourde

On February 14, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

You’ve been there; I’ve been there! Life’s challenges and hurtful moments creep in at the most awful time. You come face-to-face with a burden that is too great to bear! Honestly, is there really a good time for them? I’ve noticed in my own life that they make their entrance when I least expect them. The enemy dwells in surprised entrances! This is where he can sneak into the cracks in your spiritual armor and attack you when you’re down.

Today’s Bible verses spoke volumes to me! Take a walk with me as we walk through the garden of God’s Word to enjoy its beauty. I first noticed that God provided His people with a way through their impossible situation. Does the problem in your life seem impossible to solve? I’m sure it did for the Israelites! They came to a screeching halt at the Red Sea and must have wondered with fearful hearts “What in world will Moses do now”? I love this phrase: But God! Only God could solve this problem for the Israelites. There was nothing humanly possible to separate them from Pharaoh and his army. God wants us to get to this point in our hardships. He wants to do for us as He did for the Israelites. He parted the Red Sea and caused the waters to stand as an heap. (Psalm 78:13) Can you imagine yourself walking on that riverbed and seeing walls of water on both sides? I don’t know if I would have walked in amazement or fear since I can’t swim! What started out as an impossible mission, revealed God’s provision for those He loves.

The Lord’s provisions didn’t stop at the Red Sea! Just so the people would know that He was ever present, He showed them the way to a destination they didn’t know by guiding them with a cloud during the day. Don’t you wish you had a cloud to follow as you walk through your life? It reminded me of this verses:

Psa 46:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

God promises to be your Helper, in both good times and bad times! He was there the moment our eyes were opened to the truth of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is there every step of the way. He provides what we need, when we need it. He is a living God! There are 30 verses in the King James Bible that speak of the “living God”: one for every day of the month! God is an active God, not a passive one. We are not left willy-nilly to ourselves.

And to top it off, God even left a light on at night for His people! He knew their fears. A lot happens in the dark of night: animals come out, evil men come out, etc. God knew the Israelites would need direction and comfort! He provided a fire by night to light the way in their travels (Psalm 78:14). Most people travel during the day so they can see the way clearly. Traveling at night brings with it challenges, but not so with the Israelites! The pillar of fire was there to guide each step of the way. We are so blessed, Christian! Jesus’ light is revealed to us through His blessed Word. Every day, we can open the pages of our Bible and see that same pillar of fire directing us in our most darkest hours.

Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

We don’t have to walk in darkness, Christian. We are called to walk in the light of the Word. Find comfort through your most difficult challenges by reading the Bible. Do not fear; God has left the light on!

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Light in Darkness

By Kate Plourde

On February 12, 2025

In Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations

It’s good, to be up-to-date in what’s going on in the world. So we can be wise, we must compare what we read with what God’s Word has to say about the topic. I find that the news media is biased and not from the conservative viewpoint. There are only a couple of news channels that offer news from the conservative viewpoint but the rest are puppets of the world’s viewpoint. As I read, I know what to pray for and how I should be praying. The Holy Spirit has already prepared my heart as I started my day with the Lord!

The liberal media is trying to push a one-world government agenda and the first part of that involves brainwashing the citizens. I am not a conspiracy theorist so please understand that I say these things in light of God’s Word. Oh do we ever see this happening today! The vaccinated blame the unvaccinated, the political left blames the right. The unbelieving world uses the internet like a newspaper, believing everything they read is the truth! I can’t recall a more evil and corrupt world than I see now. I heard a quote recently: “The problem of the heart is the heart of the problem!” This is so true. Although the churches are filled with people, they are not all necessarily born-again Christians – their heart has not been converted.

I was born again on April 1st, 1980. At that time, I could go visit strangers with the Pastor’s wife and talk to them about the Lord. However, today, not only would that be physically dangerous but would be classified as “hate speech”! It could also lead to violence. The Apostles and disciples of Jesus’ day went through this after His resurrection. They were imprisoned, they were brutally killed. I think it is good to share news stories as they relate with the Scriptures and, more specifically, the end times. They help us to see that the Rapture is imminent – it can happen at any moment, maybe even today (so be ready)!

We must remember that the Tribulation period is all about Israel and not abut the Church. It is called the time of Jacob’s troubles, not the “world’s” troubles. The Church did not take the place of Israel! The pause between Daniel’s 69th and 70th week ushered in the Church Age because Israel lost its zeal to convert the unbeliever. After the Church Age is finished (after the Rapture), God will resume His judgment on Israel and Daniel’s 70th week begins (the Tribulation). This same judgment will affect the entire globe, not just Israel. The Church is already with Christ in Heaven and ready for the Marriage Supper. The Church will not receive this judgment. God will spare the Church from going through this judgment for Israel’s spiritual rebellion and we will be kept from that time!

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

As we look at what the world’s condition is in at this time and await the Rapture, we will see both anti-Christian news and anti-Israel news. We are now seeing anti-Semitic people persecuting the Jews worldwide. We are close to entering into an era much like the days of Hitler. Those of us who have been blessed to live in the United States are free to practice our faith at the moment. But as time draws nearer to the end, that wonderful privilege will be taken away.

Technology has advanced so much that we are quickly approaching the day when every human being will be monitored. China is currently doing this and applying citizens’ disobedience to their social credit score. If you don’t follow their rules, you won’t be able to travel or buy certain products! The stage is being set for the final seven years where the Antichrist will do the same thing. (Revelation 13:17)

A look at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) website reveals Karl Schwab and Yuval Noah Harari’s plans to computerize man’s brain and insert it into a “trans human” robot. Efforts by the WEF are currently underway and are expected to perfect it between 2030-2050. Their efforts for 15-minute cities are also underway. What better way to track everything about an individual than to place him in a city that collects all his data? This 40-minute video is excellent. It is not made by believers so it is not geared for the Church. HOWEVER, it will give you an idea of what the WEF’s intentions are. They are not hiding their agenda:

Now that you have an idea of what the WEF’s plans are, your eyes are opened to the elite’s agenda for the world. This is a perfect segue for the Antichrist to come into power. The groundwork for the verse below will already be laid.

Rev 13:16-17 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: (17) And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

How else can the Antichrist track people except they have some kind of mark? The Bible says that they will be forced to take his mark on their foreheads or right hand. What kind of mark is it? The Bible doesn’t say but it clearly says there will be one. Make no mistake, reader, those who accept this mark will be condemned to Hell and that is not a place you want to go to for all eternity!

As well, the one-world religion will prevent anyone from following any “spiritual” beliefs other than what they will teach. The enforcement of this will be imposed by the one-world government.

Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

The biblical end times reveal that this tracking of information will be alive and well during the Tribulation. One must study the Word of God. Only the light of the Word of God can illuminate the heart and open the eyes of the blind. We must be wise! Ask the Lord to show you what is His will for you.

Pro 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

1 Cor 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

The general rule of thumb for Christians should be: If the world is FOR something, you should question it because the world is evil! Do your research – read your Bible – pray asking for wisdom. God does not forsake His child.

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

End time news can be exciting to the born-again Christian because they know their Blessed Hope can come for him/her any second! But to the one who is not saved, it is a different story: fear sets in their hearts. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

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The Blessed Hope

By Kate Plourde

On February 10, 2025

In Comfort During the End Times, Devotionals

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

That “blessed hope” for born-again Christians is the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ! The believer is waiting to hear a shofar blast and the Lord calling us to meet Him in the clouds.

I have no idea what the world will see, if anything. Some Bible scholars say that Revelation 1:7 proves the world will see the Rapture in progress. However, if you read that verse in context, one can see that this verse is not referring to the Rapture but referring to the Lord’s Second Coming.

Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Jesus is speaking to the seven Churches. The context has not changed. When speaking about His return, John says that Jesus is coming with clouds. The physical clouds cannot play a part in the Battle of Armageddon. But the Church and angels surely can.

Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

The Bible does not go into what the world will see, but it does tell us that the change that will happen between the old body and the new body will be in the twinkling of an eye!

1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Some believe the whole event from rising and meeting in the clouds will be in the twinkling of an eye, but 1 Cor. 15:51 says it’s the actual change between an earthly body to a heavenly body that will occur in the twinkling of an eye.

I thought that we would do a review of Scriptures and those that refer to the Rapture, directly or indirectly. As a believer of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, I read verses with that particular event in mind. They do not indicate whether it will be Pre-Tribulation or not, but they are most certainly encouraging to the believer who is longing for Christ’s return! Who knows … it could be TODAY!

Php 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (21) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Oh what praise we will sing when we receive our glorified body!!! I think of my dear friend who has suffered with fibromyalgia since the 1970’s! She will no longer be in pain but instead, she will be able to face eternity with that new body!! No more pain – no more suffering! What a day that will be!

Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Are you encouraged yet? Just the thought of Christ’s appearing excites the spirit within me! It’s like looking forward to a wonderful vacation but MUCH better! It’s a vacation like no other! Why? Because our destination is in Heaven where perfection is beheld in everything! Here it says that when He appears, we shall appear with Him in glory!

Tit 2:13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Can you picture this? Christ’s glorious appearing is what every believer waits for with hope in his/her heart! If we were to go through the Tribulation, it would be extremely difficult to look forward to that blessed hope of seeing Him. Since it is a time of great suffering and tribulation that has NEVER occurred on earth, hiding, witnessing, and being safe would consume of our thoughts! We would be worried about where to hide, where to get our next meal, etc. Instead, we are looking for a blessed hope! Noah Webster defines hope as:

A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.

Not only does Paul call it “hope,” but he tells us to look for the “blessed hope“!

Jas 5:7-8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. (8) Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Granted, James may have been speaking of the Second Coming, but the Rapture must happen before so we know it draweth nigh also! The Rapture is closer to us now than it was at the Apostle James’ time of writing. The believers’ patience awaiting the Rapture is so needed, especially living in the world we live in now. It encourages us to live righteous lives while we wait because we don’t know when Christ will come take to take us to Heaven. The time is close – at any moment. We need to be busy winning souls to Christ, friend! God placed you in the exact place where He wants you to be. He has put people around you who are desperately lost. Be busy with His work – share the gospel and lead others to Him so they don’t miss out on this glorious hope!

1Jn 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

On a side note, how much hope would I have knowing that I will have to live through the most tumultuous time since the Great Flood? How much hope would I have knowing that I will have to deny the mark of the beast and possibly be tortured/killed for it? Although I know that Heaven is my home and I will go there once I die, it would be frightening knowing this was my end. But instead, Paul said:

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

But I would have this hope if I was looking forward to Rapture! Amen? Unfortunately, most churches no longer preach about the Rapture at all, let alone the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. More than 28% of the Bible is about prophecy. Would you read only 72% of a novel? Of course not! When a Pastor doesn’t preach prophecy, he’s admitting that he does not have a stand on the subject or he’s afraid to lose members. They are not preaching the whole counsel of God. We Christians need to be encouraged to share Christ with as many people as possible and to share with them the same message of hope. The Rapture is what led me to Christ and I cannot be the only one. This is why I’m doing this series! There are people out there that get anxious, afraid or just downright angry when it comes to reading about the end times. I know someone who gets angry because of what the powers that be are doing to gain control of the world. He does not find peace knowing that God told us what would be happening in the end times. Instead, he gets angry. He prefers not to hear about the end times at all. I wonder how many are like him? I find great peace knowing what is to come because I know that the Lord intends for us to be comforted. Comforted, you may ask? Yes! Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11 to “comfort yourselves”! When we are looking forward to the Rapture, we are encouraged to live righteously, and to share with others so they too can be taken up at the Rapture.

Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

Does the Rapture excite you, reader? It surely does me! But to the one who is not saved, it is a different story. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!